electrostatic

adjective elec·tro·stat·ic \ i-ˌlek-trə-ˈsta-tik \

Updated on: 7 May 2018

Definition of electrostatic

1 : of or relating to static electricity or electrostatics

2 : of or relating to painting with a spray that utilizes electrically charged particles to ensure complete coating

—

electrostatically

play \i-ˌlek-trə-ˈsta-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See electrostatic defined for kids

Recent Examples of electrostatic from the Web

The truth is that Shure’s electrostatic earphones win the prize of best in their class by default: no one else is doing anything as ambitious as this.

— vlad savov, The Verge, "Shure makes its superb electrostatic earphones a touch more affordable at $1,999," 30 Apr. 2018
Touching or moving an arm or limb close to the wall changes the wall’s electrostatic fields, just as a finger touching an iPad does, the group reports this week at a conference on computing in Montreal, Canada.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Watch researchers turn a wall into Alexa’s eyes and ears," 27 Apr. 2018
Sulfate, which reacts with amino acids in the anophelins, strengthened the electrostatic forces between the proteins, making them better able to bind to the enzyme in blood plasma that causes clotting.

— vanessa zainzinger, Science | AAAS, "Mosquito spit can bust blood clots in mice," 10 Apr. 2018
But the layers are held together by a relatively weak electrostatic interaction called a van der Waals force.

— john timmer, Ars Technica, "Scientists identify hundreds of atomically thin materials," 11 Feb. 2018
Vents Remove heavy dust from ceiling, floor, or appliance vents with a soft-brush vacuum attachment or electrostatic mop ($16, amazon.com), then dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface.

— lauren smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Rid of Dust and Make Your Home Shine," 16 Jan. 2018
Mercedes-Benz says airbags may deploy if the steering-column clockspring breaks and exposes the components to an electrostatic charge.

— clifford atiyeh, Car and Driver, "Mercedes-Benz Recalls 495,000 Cars for Accidental Airbag Deployment," 24 Oct. 2017
Just measure the window, cut the electrostatic film to size, and stick it on the glass.

— stephen treffinger, House Beautiful, "7 Smart New Window Technologies," 14 Oct. 2013
Other scientists offered other ideas like squirty sterigmata, bursting bubbles and electrostatic repulsion.

— kenneth chang, New York Times, "Fungi Physics: How Those Spores Launch Just Right," 27 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'electrostatic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of electrostatic

International Scientific Vocabulary

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1844

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

electrostatic

adjective elec·tro·stat·ic \ i-ˌlek-trə-ˈstat-ik \

medical Definition of electrostatic

: of or relating to static electricity or electrostatics

—

electrostatically

play \-ˈstat-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Learn More about electrostatic

See words that rhyme with electrostatic

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up electrostatic? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

electrostatic

Definition of electrostatic

electrostatically

Recent Examples of electrostatic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of electrostatic

Medical Dictionary

electrostatic

medical Definition of electrostatic

electrostatically

Learn More about electrostatic

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

besot

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

9 Words from the Magical Realm

A Field Guide to British Noble Titles

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Putting the History of 'Limelight' Center Stage

Ask the Editors

Ghost Word

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes

Literally

Is Singular 'They' a Better Choice?

Word Games

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Farm Idioms Quiz

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Word Winder's CrossWinder

9 Words from the Magical Realm

A Field Guide to British Noble Titles

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word

electrostatic

Definition of electrostatic

electrostatically

Recent Examples of electrostatic from the Web

Origin and Etymology of electrostatic

Medical Dictionary

electrostatic

medical Definition of electrostatic

electrostatically

Learn More about electrostatic

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

9 Words from the Magical Realm

A Field Guide to British Noble Titles

Words Used by Nabokov Quiz

Trending: Melania Trump Undergoes 'Embolization'

Ghost Word